GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Jamie Hosford, the most decorated athlete at Grand Valley State and a member of the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, died Tuesday.

He was 58.

Hosford, who lived in Belmont, served 25 years with the Rockford Public Schools, including assistant superintendent of human resources since 1994 until his retirement in the summer of 2013 as he battled cancer.

Hosford was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, recognized for his accomplishments at Creston High School and Grand Valley State.

He was a nine-time letterman at Creston, where he was the Grand Rapids Athlete of the Year as a senior. He then went on to earn 12 letters at GVSU where he excelled in football and wrestling. He also played baseball, golf and track.

He was inducted into the Grand Valley State Hall of Fame in 1987, 10 years after he graduated, as part of the university’s second induction class. He was the first inductee associated with football. A fullback, he was an all-conference selection in 1975-76 and a second team NAIA All-American in 1976.

Overall, he had 14 games with more than 100 yards rushing, tied for third all-time at Grand Valley. He also was an assistant football coach with the Lakers in 1983.

As a wrestler, he was the NAIA national champion at 190 pounds in 1976-77. He also was third and fourth at 190 pounds the previous two years, and fourth at 177 pounds in 1973-74. He had a career record of 126-11.

“It was a tough day for the Grand Valley family (Tuesday),” said Tim Selgo, Grand Valley’s athletic director. “Jamie was not only one of the most decorated student-athletes we’ve ever had – and a 12-time letterman may never be duplicated – but he and the entire Hosford family have always been very loyal to the Lakers program.”

Hosford was honored with the Grand Valley State University Alumni Association service award in 2005 for his support to the university.

His twin sons, Dan and Tom, also played football and graduated from Grand Valley.

Hosford worked at Rockford Public Schools, moving up from assistant principal at the junior high to principal went it transitioned to a middle school. He was named assistant superintendent for human resources in 1994.

“It’s my belief, that for that position, you have to have someone who has strong people skills, is compassionate and has passion,” said Michael Shibler, superintendent of Rockford Public Schools. “He exemplified that. He always went out of his way.”

Shibler also shared a little-known story about Hosford. Out of college, Shibler said, Hosford was offered a job as a pro wrestler to be known as “Baby Face Jamie.”

“He had an offer for $8,000 to teach at Grand Rapids schools or go wrestle for $75,000, and he chose education.” Shibler said. “He was more focused on what he could do in education. I think that speaks to his character right there.”

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, and four children Dan, Tom, Katie and Kellie.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Resurrection Life Church in Rockford. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, also at the church.

Funeral arrangements being handled by Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford.